Page 65 - TEARS OF SUFFERING

TEARS OF SUFFERING

They were serious about academics and worked hard
every day, though both of them were excellent.
Examinations approached soon and students busied
through their limited time burning midnight candles.
Others grumbled why exams had to come soon. But
Ugyen and Tshoden were prepared, and they
complimented each other when results were declared.

For winter holidays, Ugyen and Tshoden would have to
part until the school reopened. When Tshoden thought
about the coming separation from Ugyen, tears welled up
in her beady eyes. She stared through the window, often
sighing. “I can’t separate from Ugyen. Should I go home
or not?” She twirled her hair, unable to decide. “Um, I
think I should visit my parents. I haven’t seen them for
long.” But her mind was full of happy moments with
Ugyen, and she just wasn’t concentrating on her final
decision. “Fine, I will try to come back soon.”

But Ugyen considered Tshoden nothing more than a
good friend. He thought friends just met, only to part one
day. So, he didn’t know Tshoden was going to her village,
and even if he knew, he was ready to part from her even
if she didn’t return. He only kept counting the days in
anticipation of his brother’s arrival.

However, he didn’t ignore Tshoden. On National Day,
students lined up in the assembly ground for the Progress
Report Card. As the nation celebrated gloriously,

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